Richard Wayne Ayers, age 82, of Portage and formerly of Hobart, passed away Wednesday, August 17, 2016. He was born on June 4, 1934 in Gary, Indiana. He proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army. Richard was a member of St Joseph the Worker Catholic Church. On November 17, 1956, he married the love of his life, Eleanor Sanders, who preceded him in death.

Richard is survived by his sons, Robert (Robin) Ayers, John Ayers; daughters, Linda (Peter) Guglielmetti; Dianne (Mike) Bood; grandchildren, Matthew (Melinda) Guglielmetti, Charles Suftko, Elizabeth (Fiance, Derek Gertzen) Guglielmetti, and Joseph Bood.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Eleanor Ayers. Memorial contributions in Richard's name may be made to VNA Hospice Foundation, 2401 Valley Dr., Valparaiso, IN 46383.

Visitation for Richard will be held Monday, August 22, 2016 from 2:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel, 600 West Old Ridge Road, Hobart. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at 11:30 am at St Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, 330 E. 45th Ave. Gary. Prayers will be said at the funeral home at 10:45 am followed by procession to the church. He will be laid to rest at Calumet Park Cemetery. For more information, please call (219) 942-2109. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.